Androgeny

Posted by: Foolsgold

Androgeny - 10/24/05 11:09 AM

Before you read this, I'd like to point out that my intent is not to start a flame war about the differences in the sexes, gay marriage, or any superiority or inferiority of any kind. I have no doubt that you guys will understand my wishes on this.

I've been thinking about something lately. Zen (as I understand it) is the path of coming to one-ness, simplifying everything to its pure form. If it were to be summed up in a phrase, I would call it "returning to one".

In pagan culture, the peak of one's spiritual life could be found in the act of sexual intercourse. The key behind this was the return to androgeny. The dualism of nature is seen throughout many cultures (the yin and yang symbol reflect this best), usually in a positive light. (The only other mentionable case is when it differentiates between good and evil.) The two parts are complementary; they complete the other, being incomplete themselves.

This brought me to the subject of marriage, union, whatever you would call it . This is another constant seen throughout history (not exactly hindered by the genetic need to reproduce either). Through the union of two fundamentally different yet complementary creatures, the progeny is created. Harmony ensues (just kidding! ).

How much does zen have to do with this return to the state of androgeny? (Read: The union of the male and female halves.) Is it impossible to come to terms with oneself without entering a complementary relationship with the opposite sex? Are we, as individuals, complete?
Posted by: Kintama

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 11:22 AM

Quote:

In pagan culture, the peak of one's spiritual life could be found in the act of sexual intercourse.


you may be confusing this with Hedonism....either way, sign me up!
Posted by: harlan

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 11:35 AM

Whew. Big questions.

The marriage of halves, external and internal. Seeing the world in duality, replete with symbols and institutions that mirror this perception, then the logical idea would be to try to reunite these halves. So, we get religions and institutions that reflect this...such as the institution of marriage (never mind the economic and social benefits) and religions that acknowledge the female principle. So, trying to come to 'oneness' via union (on different levels).

There is a concept of the individual acknowledging themself as a whole, and again, by dealing with their own internal archetypes (sp?) there is the visualizing of an internal Divine Lover.

Here is a practice for you. Sit on a hilltop and look at the sky. Do you experience oneness...no division between awareness and all of nature surrounding you? It is a pretty common experience available to anyone at anytime. Is that experience for you 'androgeny'? The point is, by subscribing to a paradigm of duality, in effect you limit yourself. Starting at the point that there is no duality, then everything is whole and 'just is', and there is no need to subscribe to any path...at all.
Posted by: Cord

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 03:02 PM

Quote:

Quote:

In pagan culture, the peak of one's spiritual life could be found in the act of sexual intercourse.



The witches sabbath did indeed culminate with a union with nature to show the understanding that humans are no different to other animals, and still accountable to mother earth.

It often involved the symbolic dressing as animals, but was not an escape from gender, more an escape from the idea of man as a superior creature.

The old idea of a 'witches broom' being used as transport is incorrect. Originaly they were phallic symbols, and used as some modern ladies may use a discreet item they may keep in a bedroom drawer (they were even carved with detail.

Sex and feasting were a big part of pagan culture, and subsequently became some of the biggest sins in the conquering christian religion. The Devil with horns and a tail? only because the leader of the Sabbath would dress as a stag and be the physical human embodiement of Mother Nature's husband.

Pagan ceremonies happened around yew trees. Go to the oldest christian churches in Britain, they will have an old yew tree in their grounds. Easter, Christmas, All Hallows eve- all matched to the times of pagan festivals.

The systematic destruction of a culture through clever manipulation and desecration of its rituals and culture.

Nothing to do with zen, but interesting, and strangely sad IMO
Posted by: Kintama

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 04:01 PM

ah. that does sound a bit different from Hedonism. I had no idea how cool Pagans were.

sorry for the duality of topics....
Posted by: Cord

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 04:11 PM

I am just sorry I couldnt actually relate it to the question asked, but I still dont quite get what zen actualy is, even after all the time I spend posting on this forum . Just nice to pass a bit of usefull info on instead of sitting scratching my head at the profundities before me
Posted by: harlan

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 04:13 PM

You mean...Are? Many self-proclaimed 'pagans', 'neo-pagans', etc. these days. Frankly, every college town is rife with them...and it is pretty tiring to hear some dumby talk about 'goddess' this and 'goddess' that, spouting 'New Age' philosophy...and all the while it is really just about 'getting lucky'. I seriously doubt that many modern pagans are becoming 'enlightened'...more likely 'getting lightened' from their cash via hucksters and sexual opportunists.

Zen, even with the few scammers out there, seems a whole lot clearer.
Posted by: Cord

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 04:18 PM

I agree Harlan. Many who claim to be 'pagans' merely cherry pick bits of an ancient culture that appeal to them. There is good information out there, and their are genuine followers of pagan beliefs. They are seldom the dreadlocked students spouting Environmental issues around universities however.
Posted by: ButterflyPalm

Re: Androgeny - 10/24/05 11:22 PM



This reminds me of a book I read a long time ago; can't remember title, about test-tube babies.

The premise was because test-tube babies (if at all possible) will have no soul because it is not a product of a 'true & natural' sexual union. It is just a 'being' not a human being.

In Zen terms perhaps, it may have Yang (matter) but no Yin (spirit)

If you take away any one side of the Yin/Yang symbol, the single half remaining seems lost and incomplete and appears to be swimming around 'searching' for the other half.
Posted by: Alicia

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 01:23 AM

"In pagan culture, the peak of one's spiritual life could be found in the act of sexual intercourse."
-Foolsgold.

This is true in age old religions such as Hinduism. It's interesting that this notion is completely opposite in newer religions, such as Christianity.
Posted by: ButterflyPalm

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 03:01 AM

Quote:

It's interesting that this notion is completely opposite in newer religions, such as Christianity.



And do you know who spoilt it all? --- Adam & Eve.
Posted by: Alicia

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 04:04 AM

Quite a loaded comment there, Butterfly.
Posted by: ButterflyPalm

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 05:04 AM


Yeah, any more 'loading' will get me banned from the Forum for my next 6 life-times, if not longer.
Posted by: rideonlythelabel

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 12:47 PM

Quote:

I agree Harlan. Many who claim to be 'pagans' merely cherry pick bits of an ancient culture that appeal to them. There is good information out there, and their are genuine followers of pagan beliefs. They are seldom the dreadlocked students spouting Environmental issues around universities however.



This reminds me of how much I hate hippies.

Quote:

The premise was because test-tube babies (if at all possible) will have no soul because it is not a product of a 'true & natural' sexual union. It is just a 'being' not a human being.



Just a question; how did the author explained that children conceived by rape often turn out to be normal children? What about artificial insemination? Sounds like a crock of s--t to me, but I guess I'm biased because I don't believe in an immaterial soul...

Quote:

Quote:

It's interesting that this notion is completely opposite in newer religions, such as Christianity.



And do you know who spoilt it all? --- Adam & Eve.



It was the snake's fault! BLAME THE SNAKE!!!
Posted by: UofM Shorin Ryu

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 01:36 PM

The cult of Bacchus (Dionysus in Greek) was suppsed to be performed by women, who went crazy with dancing and singing and praising the god, then went up to a hill and supposedly engaged in a massive and mysterious drunken orgy.

Before any of you guys ask where to find such a spectacle, read The Bacchae by Euripides and find out what happens to men who accidentaly discover and peep in on this little event....

Poor poor Pentheus...
Posted by: harlan

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 01:45 PM

(Yes, yes...but all the lovely violets we got out of the sacrifice.)

This is the problem with the masses and practices that have not eradicated the feminine principle...basically grounded in a basic level. Most people don't seem to understand...that 'oneness' is on different levels.
Posted by: Kintama

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 02:07 PM

I'm not as well read. could someone give a simplified analogy so I can follow the topic...are you saying this is kind of like if a child grows up in a nudest society, they just see people....they don't see them as naked men and women. or am I out in left field?
Posted by: harlan

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 02:16 PM

Still seeing outside of self...seeing a dichotomy between 'self' and 'other'...even if not gender.
Posted by: Foolsgold

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 02:20 PM

Quote:

I agree Harlan. Many who claim to be 'pagans' merely cherry pick bits of an ancient culture that appeal to them. There is good information out there, and their are genuine followers of pagan beliefs. They are seldom the dreadlocked students spouting Environmental issues around universities however.



I'm actually in an ongoing debate with a few such people. I was just trying to use their symbolism.

Being a die-hard Christian, I'm slightly shocked when people explain my attitude toward sex for me. Just a warning before I flame you all .

Original question rephrased. Can a person be alone and content at the same time?
Posted by: harlan

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 02:22 PM

I can. Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Being alone, for me, in the best sense, is connected to everything. Not sure what you are referring to...following a monastic path?
Posted by: Foolsgold

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 02:38 PM

Quote:

Resembling life in a monastery in style, structure, or manner, especially:
Secluded and contemplative.
Strictly disciplined or regimented.
Self-abnegating; austere.



In the reclusive sense. In a way that will deprive you of emotional ties to other people.
Posted by: harlan

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 02:42 PM

The monastic, and zen paths seem to me not to be focused on depriving one of emotional ties...but in providing a space for looking inward. Do you think that love can only be found exterior to yourself?
Posted by: Foolsgold

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 03:23 PM

Not sure. And so, a thread was born. (and oldman either looked and saw that it was good, or hasn't seen it yet )
Posted by: ButterflyPalm

Re: Androgeny - 10/25/05 10:09 PM

Just a piece of friendly advice; make sure that the next time you eat an apple, shine it thoroughly first, because the Snake's "finger prints?" may still be on it.

Posted by: Cord

Re: Androgeny - 10/26/05 05:56 AM

[quoteOriginal question rephrased. Can a person be alone and content at the same time?



If you cant be content in yourself, how can you be content in any other way?

People who seek happiness/contentment from outside of themselves hand their wellbeing to fate.